News on a new app, even one for Windows 8 devices, is nothing to rave about, but the deal Microsoft struck with Barnes & Nobel is. When windows Phone 7 came out, they shipped with the Kindle app pre-installed, but not Windows Phone users will get the Nook app instead. the kindle app will still be available, no worries loyal Kindle fans.

This feels like good news all around, especially for B&N, who has been fighting tooth and nail with Amazon for eBook sales. For publishers, it’s one less eBookstore to have to worry about getting our titles into. As long as you have a deal with B&N, you;re good to go.

Let’s also not forget that this is a pretty easy way for Microsoft to get back into the eBook business. Remember their failed attempt early on with their Reader software and proprietary .lit extension.